Thomas J. Blume

Mr. Thomas J. Blume is a senior analyst, specializing in the study of issues related to Missile Defense, International Affairs (Europe and NATO), BMC/3 and interoperability and Strategic Planning.

He joined the National Institute for Public Policy in 1998 and is currently working under contract providing direct support to the Program Director for International Support, Missile Defense Agency at the Pentagon, Washington, DC.

From 1992 to 1998 Mr. Blume was an Air Force officer assigned to the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization. During this period he held several different positions to include Executive Officer to the Deputy Director; Military Assistant to General Manager for NMD and Deputy for Technology; Assistant Director, CINC/User Requirements; and the Early Warning Systems and Ground-Based (TMD/NMD) Radar Program Manager.

He previously served (1989-1992) as a Space and Missile Warning Staff Officer, Space Forces Directorate, Director of Operations, HQ Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC. His duties were overseeing Air Force operational programming and budgeting activities related to USAF Space Forces for the FYDP: Reviewed and coordinated National DoD, Air Force, USSPACEOM, and AFSPACECOM space policy, doctrine and operational architectures. He also, has over 12 years of operational experience as a Commander, Director of Operations, Chief of Stand Eval and crew member for three different weapon systems: Titan II Missiles, Command post/ KC-135s, and Early Warning Radars/ Space Network System and spent three years on special assignment to Air Training Command.

Mr. Blume is currently working on issues relating to the Missile Defense Agency’s Strategic Plan for increasing international participation in missile defense, to include interoperability, BMC3I and architectural analysis for missile defense.

Mr. Blume has a degree in Business and Administration from Newberry College and a Masters in both Business and Human Relations from Websters University. He has also completed Squadron Officers School, Marine Command and Staff, Air Command and Staff, Air War College, and various other military courses.